Generation IV Internal Engine - 408 build

im planning on doing a 408 build for my 02 camaro ss in the next couple years. i want 550 to 600rwhp with this motor n/a. what would be the best h/c choice to get me there? i was thinking AFR 225cc or 235cc heads and a 25x/25x cam?

any thoughts on this guys? i think id actually be good with 525 to 550whp.

600RWHP out of a naturally aspirated 408 is a tall order and will likely require a premium set of heads & intake along with a fairly large cam.

If you step down closer to the 525 number you mentioned, then you have a lot more options. Almost anything will get you there. Since I'm on a tight budget, my goals for my 402 (same thing, less overbore) are stock LS3 heads, stock LS3 intake, and a mild-ish cam. Not only does the inexpensive price of the LS3 head appeal to me, but the fact that it works so well with a small cam really appeals to me. I want a very street friendly car that's easy to drive but still makes 500+ at the wheels, and I think that the LS3 heads will give me that.

Since you're not in a hurry, rather than decide on heads right now, just start doing homework, and give the aftermarket some time to start pushing some square port offerings. I suspect that you'll be seeing a lot of them over the next year, and I think that they are going to be very good at providing even more of what the stock LS3s offer... big power with mild cams (i.e. good street manners).

600RWHP out of a naturally aspirated 408 is a tall order and will likely require a premium set of heads & intake along with a fairly large cam.

If you step down closer to the 525 number you mentioned, then you have a lot more options. Almost anything will get you there. Since I'm on a tight budget, my goals for my 402 (same thing, less overbore) are stock LS3 heads, stock LS3 intake, and a mild-ish cam. Not only does the inexpensive price of the LS3 head appeal to me, but the fact that it works so well with a small cam really appeals to me. I want a very street friendly car that's easy to drive but still makes 500+ at the wheels, and I think that the LS3 heads will give me that.

Since you're not in a hurry, rather than decide on heads right now, just start doing homework, and give the aftermarket some time to start pushing some square port offerings. I suspect that you'll be seeing a lot of them over the next year, and I think that they are going to be very good at providing even more of what the stock LS3s offer... big power with mild cams (i.e. good street manners).

im starting my home work now, i went with a h/c package for my ls1 and i wish i would have waited and just done a stroker motor like a 402 or 408. im thinking afr will be the heads to go with and i have no idea about a cam. i will go with a custom grind for sure. i dont see alot of shelf cams for 400+ci motors. custom is the way to go anyhow. i would of course go with a fast 102 setup and 100mm maf.

Here's a good sticky with many 402,403 and 408's. Build info and results.

Happy reading...

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/dynamometer-results-comparisons/816128-408-results-part-ii.html

im planning on doing a 408 build for my 02 camaro ss in the next couple years. i want 550 to 600rwhp with this motor n/a. what would be the best h/c choice to get me there? i was thinking AFR 225cc or 235cc heads and a 25x/25x cam?

any thoughts on this guys? i think id actually be good with 525 to 550whp.

600 will be tough....525 should be no problem. L92s will definitly do the trick for the 525.

i may have decided to go with a lsx454 instead, it only seems to be a couple grand more, and thats about as good as it gets for me. thats been my dream motor for a long time.